Alpine Mountain to be auctioned off

A longtime Analomink ski area will be sold to the highest bidder in September.

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By DAVID PIERCE

poconorecord.com

By DAVID PIERCE

Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By DAVID PIERCE
Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

A longtime Analomink ski area will be sold to the highest bidder in September.

Alpine Mountain Ski and Snowtubing will be sold by competitive sealed bid two years after a private development management company bought it in a county tax sale.

Appletree Management bought and continued to operate the Route 447 ski facility after managing the property for three years for former owner Charles Poalillo.

Appletree principal Jim Ott said the company always saw the property as a good investment, but wants to focus on its core business of managing properties. Its portfolio includes managing several private residential communities.

"We felt it was a worthwhile purchase, at least in the short term," Ott said. "Alpine, even though it's a seasonal business, it's a year-round business. It's time to put it in the hands of someone who has a longer-term vision than we do."

Appletree used operating revenue generated the past two years to upgrade facilities, he said.

The 103-acre property includes a lodge, three large social areas, a bar without a liquor license, a ski patrol building, kitchen and dining facilities and a fully equipped ski and snowboard rental area. It has snowmaking capabilities, including a compressor, snow guns, groomer and snowmobiles.

Alpine Mountain's main business has been downhill skiing and snowtubing. It has multiple ski lifts.

"It's a complete operation," said Bill Howze of Renaissance Auction Group, which is handling the sale. "It always survived in its niche market when it had good management."

The first open inspection for prospective buyers will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Sealed bids will be accepted through Sept. 11, Howze said.

Interested buyers should contact him at bill@auctionhowze.com, or call 610-370-2879 for bid packages and financial information.